Millions of Filipinos are expected to tune into President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address Monday, which comes after he’s been in office for only 26 days.
His May 9 landslide election win was largely based on promises to eliminate crime and implement changes in government, and he’s expected to highlight his achievements so far in these areas, including tough and controversial campaigns to fight crime, illegal drugs and corruption.
However, as he delivers his speech on Monday afternoon, the powerful Catholic Church is also delivering a message to Duterte and the people of the Philippines, with a special mass to launch the “Huwag Kang Pumatay,” or “Thou Shall Not Kill,” campaign.
Since Duterte took power, the nation has seen a spike in vigilante and extra-judicial killings of suspected drug dealers, with some media outlets estimating over 300 killed across the country since his June 30 inauguration.
The Archdiocese of Manila will hold mass at the same time as the President gives his annual address, and say prayers for the victims of these killings.
Divided over the drug fight
Public sentiment is divided over the fight against illicit drugs and the extra-judicial killings have elicited strong feelings both at home and abroad.
One ex-user from the Philippines, John Tan, said he started using drugs at 12 years old, but turned his life around four years later. “The answer is more complex than just killing people suspected of being involved in drugs,” he said on his Facebook page.
“People are people, drug dependent or not. We all have dreams, hopes and pains. In my humble opinion, until we care enough about the suffering and the hurting, drugs will always be around.”
This sentiment has been echoed by human rights groups, who have urged the government to stop the killing of suspected drug criminals as it deprives them of their right to due process and a fair trial.
But many of Duterte’s supporters believe his government’s stance on crime and drugs is justified.
According to a statement from the President’s office, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced a 13% drop in the crime rate since Duterte won the presidency, and his office has called the anti-drug campaign a success; the latest count from the PNP claims that 114,833 drug dependents have turned themselves into the authorities.
Duterte also remains a popular leader, with 91% approval rating from a recent Pulse survey.
South China Sea policy
There are also questions surrounding Duterte’s foreign policy agenda, particularly with regards to China.
He has so far been silent on the Philippines’s win at in its arbitration case against China in The Hague.
Foreign Secretary, Perfecto Yasay, has said the Philippines rejects bilateral talks that won’t include the ruling, but Duterte is seen to be more conciliatory to China than his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III.
His decision to appoint well-respected former President Fidel V. Ramos as special envoy to China was also widely recognized as a wise choice if the Philippines wants to avoid any escalation over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Toning down the pageantry
It seems likely that Duterte will face less opposition from leftist militant groups, who every year hold protests at SONA. These protests have previously ended in violent clashes. Thousands are still expected to demand more equitable rights for laborers, farmers and indigenous minority groups, but while security will be tight, there will be no barricades blocking the roads to Congress.
The annual speech used to be a red carpet affair, with lawmakers in their finest Filipiniana shirts and long gowns.
This year, Duterte issued strict orders to tone the fashion and pageantry down. His office said Duterte wants to keep the event simple, and the message on point.
Millions of Filipinos are expected to tune in as the speech will be broadcast live on television and social media. The President is also expected to address issues surrounding Muslim and Communist rebel groups and lay out his government’s 10-point socioeconomic plan.